FOR THE TOMAHAWK LEADER
LINCOLN COUNTY – The holiday season is in full effect, which means winter is knocking on the door. Wisconsinites are not inexperienced when it comes to the winter season. The winter of 2018-2019 was one for the record books, bringing dangerously cold wind chills, power outages, and heavy snowfall amounts. To help prepare everyone for what to expect in the months ahead, Gov. Tony Evers has declared Nov. 4 through 8 Winter Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
“The extreme cold temperatures felt by Lincoln County residents earlier this year with a power outage is a reminder of how dangerous winter can be,” said September Murphy, Lincoln County Emergency Management Director. “Winter Awareness week is a perfect opportunity to make sure your emergency kits are fully supplied, have your furnaces serviced and get your vehicle checked out to make sure it’s ready for winter road conditions”.
Winter emergency kits should include items such as food, water, a flashlight and batteries, and blankets. In your vehicle, include a snow shovel, extra gloves and hats, and kitty litter or sand to help give your wheels traction on icy roads in case you get stuck.
“If you don’t need to be on the road during a severe winter storm, then stay home,” said Dr. Darrell Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. When bad winter weather is in the forecast, drivers should always check current road conditions before they head out. You can check travel conditions for most major roadways in the state by using 511 Wisconsin, which is updated with the latest traffic and road conditions. This information, along with live traffic cameras and traffic alerts, can be accessed through the free 511 Wisconsin mobile app, @511WI on Twitter, or the mobile-friendly site www.511wi.gov.
Find more tips on getting ready for winter at https://co.lincoln.wi.us/emergency-management or visit https://www.facebook.com/Lincoln-County-Emergency-Management-.